Aamir is self-appointed mullah: Shiv Sena

Mumbai, Nov 25 (IANS) Launching another attack on Bollywood actor Aamir Khan for alleging growing intolerance in the country, the Shiv Sena on Wednesday labelled him a “self-appointed mullah”.

“In recent past, some individuals have assumed the responsibility of judging whether India is a ‘tolerant’ or ‘intolerant’ nation… Aamir Khan has joined this business by becoming a self-appointed mullah, which is sad for those who love him,” the Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ said.

It pointed out in an editorial how the country had showered so much love, affection and respect on Aamir, “who poked fun at Hindu religious sentiments through his blockbuster movie PK”.

“After filling up his coffers, he speaks nonsense in the name of freedom of speech… Actually, such persons already enjoy too much freedom.”

Referring to veteran actor Dilip Kumar, whose real name is Yusuf Khan, the editorial said he was conferred the highest civilian award of Pakistan – Nishan-e-Pakistan – a few years ago and encountered huge opposition.

“Dilip Kumar was born in Pakistan and has love for his birthplace… But after the controversy, he never proclaimed he was scared and wanted to leave the country. Then why do Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan talk like this? Aren’t they aware that Muslims are safer in India compared to even Muslim countries?” the Sena said.

It said Muslims were unwelcome in countries like Japan while in China they were barred from sporting beards or building mosques.

“However, in India, Muslims enjoy complete freedom to practice their religion and all their demands are fulfilled by governments – yet Aamir’s wife (Kiran Rao) finds this country ‘intolerant'” the editorial said.

“Today, the entire world is terrorised by the IS (Islamic State) and Muslims from Syria and other countries are fleeing… Instead of speaking up on these issues, Khan and other secularists point fingers at Hindus for ‘intolerance’…”

It called upon the actor-producer to leave behind “all the honours and respect given by this country, account for each rupee earned here” and then happily talk of leaving India.

“We wonder where this ‘Idiot Ranchhoddas’ will finally go… Pakistan, Afghanistan, Paris, Brussels or Mali – make it clear…

“If he doesn’t find this country safe, then he must stop empty rants about ‘Satyamev Jayate’ and patriotisim,” it said.